International Event inspiring movement, community and health. Seminars, banquet and belt testing Expand your learning beyond your own dojo!
Thunder Bay is hosting a Martial Arts and Health Expo on May 20-22, 2022. In the spirit of Shimabuku Sensei, martial artists from various lineages, backgrounds, styles are gathering for learning, camaraderie and fun! Thunder Bay is home to 7 active Isshinryu karate clubs and dozens of other martial arts which makes it truly the martial arts capital of Canada. See www.thunderbaymartialarts.com
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06/05/2026
New Expo presenter. Big impact. 🔥
Former UFC fighter Jesse Bongfeldt had participants engaged from start to finish at the Martial Arts & Health Expo. His ability to break down drills, explain the details, and make everything practical was a huge hit.
Want another chance to train with Jesse?
He’s back in Thunder Bay on June 14 for a seminar at Sensei Susan's dojo.
🥊 All levels welcome.
📩 DM to register.
06/03/2026
🎥🥋 Another great seminar from Expo weekend!
Lake of the Woods Karate Dojo's Steve Davis, police officer and Isshinryu Sensei from Kenora, shared practical self-defence concepts drawn from both his law enforcement experience and years of martial arts training.
And judging by the smiles, Heather was having a great time applying a chokehold to her spouse - and Sensei! 😄
Real-world insights, practical skills, and plenty of hands-on learning. Thanks, Steve, for bringing your experience, knowledge, and perspective to the Expo community. 👊🥋
05/29/2026
✨ Wellness at the Expo ✨
A big thank you to Julie Laurendeau for sharing her Access Bars® workshop at the Martial Arts and Health Expo.
Using a gentle, hands-on approach focused on specific points on the head, participants explored a process designed to help release stress, quiet mental chatter, and create space for greater calm and clarity.
The feedback was wonderful - people left feeling more relaxed, present, and grounded.
Thank you, Julie, for bringing another dimension of wellness to the Expo experience. 💙🙏
Why do we test? 🥋
To adapt under pressure. To work through fatigue. To trust the training. To keep showing up, even when it gets hard. 🔥
At the Martial Arts and Health Expo candidates moved through basics, kata, kobudo, bunkai, kumite, and intense two-on-one fights under the direction of Hanshi Albert Mady. Through it all was a supportive community pushing each other forward, encouraging growth, and demanding the best from one another. 👊
Congrats to all who tested, along with the international testing board and dedicated ukes.
Gokyu: Jackie Chan
Sankyu: William Pettigrew
Ikkyu:Evelyn McMahan
Nidan: Marvin Shell, Aric Dobres, Duncan Stewart
Godan: Jeff Long, Mark Ceasar
A monumental moment in Isshinryu history in Canada. 🇨🇦🥋
After 50 years as a Black Belt in Isshinryu, Hanshi Albert Mady has been awarded the rank of 10th Dan and recognized by major organizations across North America. The first Canadian inducted into the The Isshinryu Hall of Fame, with 21 affiliate dojos across Canada and affiliates in 7 countries.
Integrity. Leadership. Humility. He walks the talk. Still training hard. Still hitting the pads daily. Still in warrior mode. 👊🔥
We are incredibly proud to witness this historic moment as Hanshi Mady becomes the first 10th Dan in Isshinryu in Canada and IKI history.
Special thanks to Master Don Nash from New Jersey for the meaningful and emotional presentation of this rank. A moment we will never forget.
05/24/2026
Excited to share this epic YouTube feature on the 2026 Martial Arts and Health Expo by Mike Sheare, Lorenzo, Jordan and Johannes! 🎥🔥🥋
They jumped right into the action…training in sword, Tai Chi, Sai, Bo, Tactical Self-Defence and more, while also capturing interviews, demos, banquet moments, and the incredible energy of our international crew. 🌎👊
So grateful for their coverage, enthusiasm, and fun vibe all weekend long. Be sure to give them a follow and subscribe to their channel! 🎬✨ They’ve also been sharing some awesome Expo shorts.
CAN I SURVIVE KARATE TRAINING?? SUBSCRIBE - https://bit.ly/SUB2MIKESHEARE *FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL M...
05/22/2026
What an incredible weekend for the Martial Arts and Health Expo! 🔥🥋🎤
From a live CBC Radio interview with Sensei Susan, to TB News Watch capturing the energy of the Expo and interviewing presenters Tim Jurgens and Aric Dobres…it was exciting to see our event featured across Thunder Bay and beyond. 🌎✨
Training, connection, culture, and community all in one unforgettable weekend. Thank you to everyone who helped bring it to life! 🙏
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/kobudo-to-vagal-yoga-thunder-bay-martial-arts-health-expo-12294309
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/tbt-news-stories/video-thunder-bay-hosts-martial-arts-and-health-expo-12296950
Expo 2026 Highlight Reel. What a weekend.
From intense belt testing and powerful training sessions to new connections, returning friends, presenters from across North America, and a few fun surprises along the way…this year’s Expo had an incredible energy from start to finish.
Grateful to everyone who helped make it such a memorable weekend at Lakehead University. Already looking forward to what’s next. 🔥🥋
📷 Chondon Photography
05/15/2026
The final Expo schedule is here! 🔥
Reminder that Dan rank belt testing begins this evening at 4:00pm at the Avila Centre Gym. All other candidates will join at 5:00pm.
Opening Ceremonies kick off Saturday morning at 9:30am, with the first seminars starting at 10:00am at the Avila Centre.
Safe travels to everyone arriving in Thunder Bay - we can’t wait to welcome you for an incredible weekend of training, learning and connection.